Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Love & Lies Duet #1

All The Ugly Things

Rate this book
One moment. A single decision... an accident.
Cost me six years of my life.
All of my hopes and dreams vanished.

Until I was given back my freedom and the opportunity to start over... doing whatever I could to survive in a world much different than the one I knew before.

I was working on my degree and waiting tables when my fate changed.
An older man with silver hair and a fancy suit walked in, looking like he wanted to save me.
He came for pie. But he offered me a job.

When I turned him down, he sent his son, Hudson.
The arrogant, sex on a stick wore me down.
I took the job.
I accepted his friendship.
And slowly, over time, I began to feel things for this man I knew I shouldn’t.

They gave me a home.
A family.
And then it was all ripped away.

Now nothing can erase all the ugly things.

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 20, 2021

469 people are currently reading
1996 people want to read

About the author

Stacey Lynn

77 books2,282 followers
Stacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.

The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble.

Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Let's be friends! Follow me here:


Amazon: http://amzn.to/2GhozSE
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2C1XYLe
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2EwGQPg
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2o2KUg4

Visit my Facebook Group where we talk about books and everything else that comes into our minds!
Stacey's Sweeties: http://bit.ly/2CpXbzq

OR--- subscribe to my newsletter and receive a FREE EBOOK as a thank you! www.staceylynnbooks.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
609 (41%)
4 stars
492 (33%)
3 stars
254 (17%)
2 stars
74 (5%)
1 star
27 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
Profile Image for Drey.
167 reviews1,069 followers
June 25, 2021
3 Stars!

... A love story of a liar.

This is one of those books that are easy to put down but are hard to pick up again. I seriously liked the way this story started. I love those kind of stories that jumps right in. Instant drama, for example, is my cup of tea. But along the way, the story got repetitive and boring that I couldn't help but put it off for several times.

Note: This is a new adult, slow burn romance.

"She was alone. She was the most alone person on the planet."


Lilly was sentenced to be imprisoned for a maximum of 10 years after she pled guilty for a reason. Six years later, she was released on parole by the help of someone she didn't know. Trying to mend the broken pieces of her life, a man she did not recognize approached and offered her a better opportunity. She rejected the said offer. But the man's son, Hudson, convinced her to accept what his father was offering. Hudson was relentless that Lilly eventually gave in and started to trust him. But the lies beneath the beautiful things couldn't be hidden and it could destroy everything.

This book fell a bit flat for me. I was not able to feel the story for the most parts. I found it more focused on self-rebuilding than the romance aspect—hence it was boring. It centered heavily on the heroine's personal struggles after she was discharged from prison and the lies, overshadowing the romance. I was not sold on their relationship. I had a hard time believing their feelings for each other. There were too many personal issues between them that resulted a lot of time with them being apart—hence it was repetitive.

I found the element of mystery a bit unreasonable to me. They could simply help Lilly without lying in the first place. Or they could easily tell her about Melissa, Hudson's sister, dying wish as soon as possible. It could be done without worsening the situation and sacrificing the trust. How was it not possible?

Overall, I enjoyed the book somehow. It was a slow burn romance with a decent progress. Good writing and emotional at times with a predictable cliffhanger. Going into the next one. I need answers and I hope they are purposeful lies.

"This man—who I was starting to believe I was falling in love, was nothing but a liar."


Profile Image for ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books.
2,621 reviews10.9k followers
April 11, 2021
2e0pm6g
90ca45e7e7c6ddfa7f3d6d91a5f154bd-1-1
'ALL THE UGLY THINGS' Is the first full length romance book in the duet 'Love & Lies', by Stacey Lynn. Spoken in Dual Perspectives.

As soon as I saw the synopsis I couldn't wait to get my hands on this, the cover just sealed the deal, once it landed on my kindle I was all in. This was such a unique unputdownable slow burn romance which got its hooks into me as soon as I opened that first page and started reading.

Eighteen year old Lilly had her whole life mapped out, from graduation to university until one fateful night changed her life in an instant going from riches to rags for a crime that has red flags popping up.

Incarcerated at the Iowa Correctional institution for woman for a crime that has effected her remarkably, now six years later she's paroled out early, now she has to start over from scratch with a criminal record that's hard to hide from. No friends, no family so to speak, no money.

With having a criminal background the only job open to her was in a diner working the late shift allowing her to finish up her education during the day which she'd set in motion whilst behind bars.

Whilst working at the diner she encounters Mr. Valentine who stops in frequently and engages her in conversation. During one such visit he has trouble with his vehicle which she takes a look at because whilst incarcerated the inmates had to learn a skill she chose mechanics as it afforded her freedom of some sorts. He hands her his business card offering her a job at his establishment.

This was not a chance encounter.

Not used to getting handouts Lilly throws his card away. Then enters Hudson, Mr. Valentines son who takes up right where his father left off. He befriends Lilly wearing her down until she agrees to at least come for an interview.

Hudson was attracted to her even before he'd met her.

So many questions left unanswered as I fell down that cliffy, but that's made me crave that next book like no other where Hudson and Lilly's story will conclude and I can't wait to see how the author ties up all the loose ends.

                  

Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,248 reviews718 followers
May 14, 2021
4 💔💔❤️❤️🌟s

The first part of this duet was very intriguing and emotional.

Lilly was sent to jail at 18 y.o. for a crime she didn’t commit. Instead of being released after 10 years, she was out in 6 and had to stand on her own two feet since her parents had completely abandoned her and disappeared.

David Valentine, a wonderful and caring person, wanted to offer her a second chance in life but his attempts were rejected by Lilly, since she had stopped trusting in everyone and everything. However, David didn’t give up and sent his son, Hudson, to try and persuade her as to give them a chance.

The story was very well written, I could feel Lilly’s struggles, her insecurities for the day after, her loneliness, her trust issues and her broken heart.
The slow burn romance between Lilly and Hudson was beautifully developed, the characters had depth and I connected with them immediately.

This part was emotional, had twists and turns and well hidden secrets, yet ended with a cliffhanger and I can’t wait for the revelations in the next!!
Profile Image for  Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕.
1,018 reviews1,186 followers
April 18, 2021

1618710295985


From the moment I saw this duet, I knew I needed to read it. The blurb hooks you in immediately and you get the sense that this is going to be one of those stories where your intriguement is going to be fulfilled because there is going to be more to the story than you originally thought.

For the past six years, Lily’s home has been in a correctional facility. Now being released on parole, getting a new start is the only thing that is on her mind and she intends to see it through. Going back to school, having a job and keeping her head down has been working and for a woman like Lily who’s been through a lot, simplicity is paradise. But her normal life is about to be shaken up a bit when she receives a too good to be true offer.

I have to say that I really loved the fact that we felt what the heroine was going through. I took a liking to her immediately and her struggles and triumphs were portrayed in such a way that you were left with no choice but to feel everything. The only thing that I wished would have been done was a more surprising cliffhanger. I saw that coming from a mile away so the element of surprise was not there for me.

With that being said, this duet is still off to a great start and I can't wait to see what this author has in store for Lily and Hudson’s journey.



27908549._SX540_.jpg

Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,789 reviews400 followers
April 13, 2021
All the Ugly Things by Stacey Lynn hit me hard even before I could feel it coming and my heart is so full. This story was all about finding light of kindness, compassion and love in the darkest hour of anger, frustration and loss. A heartaching and achingly angsty romance that talks about love in so many different and meaningful ways.

Lilly lost everything at eighteen years of age when she was sent to jail for ten years for a crime she didn't commit. She was released on parole after six years for good behaviour but life of an ex convict is not easy. She is fighting poverty, prejudices and a bleak future everyday. Then her path crossed with David Valentine and his son Hudson Valentine. She cannot understand why these local billionaire and almost heroes in town are trying to help an ex convict without fancy education and working in a seedy diner. Do they really want to help her? Is she making a mistake by reluctantly trusting them?


This story is said mostly from Lilly's POV and some from Hudson's POV. The way the author captured all the facets of Lilly's character is truly remarkable. What really haunts her is the way everyone abandoned her and how she lost everything so easily. But this loneliness or hopelessness doesn't stop her from trying everyday. She is a hard working and determined girl. She is fixed on making a better life for herself and she want to do it on her own. This beautiful girl has been betrayed and hurt way too many times and so she is not easily trustful of others. Behind the hard and cynical woman lies a fierce and lovable woman. She is hesitant about accepting help but offers her support freely.


And Hudson did the tough job of breaking her hard walls down slowly. His parents always helped the less fortunate and privileged and it passed on to him too. You won't help but fall in love with this gorgeous man. Kind. Compassionate. With the biggest heart. Caring. Protective. But with his own demons hiding behind his smiling face. I swooned over how he took care of Lilly without making her feel less. He always tried to make her comfortable and safe even when Lilly pushed her away. It was a slow burn with deliciously detailed progress. But I could feel Hudson is hiding something and at the end the truth came out. Everything has exploded and my heart is breaking for both of them in different ways.

All The Ugly Things by Stacey Lynn was an emotional journey for sure. I felt so deeply for every single person in this story. It was inspiring and haunting. Beautifull in the most raw and intense way.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Danielle Cordsen.
699 reviews11 followers
April 21, 2021
All the ugly things
By: Stacey Lynn

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

Two tortured soles

She’s a shell..he’s fighting his feelings what could possibly go wrong? Two soles who have lost so much but don’t know how to truly live. Hudson loves his dad and knows his heart is always in the right place but when he tries to help a very broken Lilly he comes face to face with his own fears, grief and shortcomings. This book is part of a duet book 2 out May 11th.

The author writing is flawless, and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.

Authors Blurb: One night changed everything.
In a single breath my entire future was ripped away.

Now I’m left simply trying to pick up the pieces.
Endless nights waiting tables in hopes of keeping a single piece of the dream I left behind.

He came for pie with dark eyes and a cocky smile.
But those eyes saw more than they should.
Past my walls to all those secrets I’d long buried.

That should’ve been my first warning.
I should’ve said no when he offered me a job too good to be true.
But I said yes.

Slowly friendship sparked to something more.
Stolen moments became an obsession neither of us could kick.

Hudson gave me more than I’d ever dreamed.
So much of what I had lost.
A home. A family.

I should’ve known it was all a beautiful lie.
I should’ve known he’d only leave me with all the ugly things...

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
Waiting on book 2 will be torture. But oh so worth it.
Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,670 reviews3,283 followers
January 4, 2022
4.5 A Second Chance Stars-Don't Miss Out, FREE!!!
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
I usually do not read anything that has a cliffhanger, I don't enjoy not knowing things. Yet, this book was addictive in the way I kept reading it. Yes, I knew things were destined to happen but I was compelled to experience them and the other surprises.

Stacey Lynn took a chance with her fans and decided to do this duet and it works on so many levels.
I think the idea of second chances in all forms of situations is a current, serious one to examine and this is an excellent way to broach this subject.

I want the next part. I am counting the days until I get it.

All the Ugly Things (Love & Lies Duet, #1) by Stacey Lynn All The Ugly Things (Love & Lies Duet #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
All the Beautiful Things (Love & Lies Duet, #2) by Stacey Lynn All The Beautiful Things (Love & Lies Duet #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
March 19, 2021
In Our Lives, We Do Things...
We Dream...
We Have Hopes...
We Envision What Could Be...

And Then In An Instant...
Poof!
Everything Planned...
Everything Wished For...
Gone Because Of A Quick Decision...

Now After Six Years...
A Supposed Fresh Start...
A Little Taste Of Freedom...
Doing What Was Needed...
So I Could Just Be In This New World...

I Had Focus...
Get A Degree...
Work Whatever Even Wait Tables...

And Like Before...
In A Moment...
My Fate Changed Again...

The Silver Fox Came In For Pie...
And Instead Of A Tip...
Offered Me A Job...

An Answer Of No Wasn't Enough...
He Sent In The Big Guns, His Son...
He Offered Me Friendship...
So I Took The Job...

Now There Is That Feeling...
A Feeling Of Belonging...
Of Home, Of Family...

Yet, We All Need To Remember...
In An Instant, Everything Can Turn Into...


All The Ugly Things (Love & Lies Duet #1)-April 20, 2021

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

 photo banner_zpsb3ab83a0.jpg
Profile Image for Carla .
1,663 reviews531 followers
May 27, 2021
Beautiful book! I thought a little slow for me! But it was lovely.
It’s worth the reading.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,394 reviews622 followers
November 10, 2022
Just when you think you know an author, BAM, they blow your mind with another level to their writing skills. I have been a fan of Stacey’s as far back as her days writing as S. Layne and I can’t really say she has ever dug as deep as she did with this story into my soul. I mean she is in there deep!!

This is a story that will be impossible for you to put down and you will crave the next half like you might crave your favorite dessert! I read this about 8 days ago today and when I tell you that I didn’t even stop to eat from the moment I began, I am not exaggerating. Lilly’s personal history along with the connection she may or may not have to the Valentines is thought provoking and suspenseful and captivating and I just could not read fast enough.

There are so many things that I want to mention but I don’t want to give away any more details about this story. There are way too many reviews out there that will practically tell you the entire story and that saddens me to no end. This is one of those stories that you want to be surprised by. There is a lot more to it than meets the eye. I can feel it. It isn’t even the ending/cliffhanger that had my heart hammering like crazy; it was more the anticipation of the other shoes dropping because there are always other shoes dropping LOL

Put all of that together with the writing skills of an author who has proven time and time again that she is a wizard at her craft, and you have yourself a compelling and addictive story that will have you glued to your kindle until the end! #trust
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,402 reviews6 followers
April 17, 2021
Her life changed in the blink of an eye, six years ago she went from being a teen with the world waiting for her, to being a woman behind bars for a crime that wasn't hers. Now she finds herself outside the confines of jail and has been given a second chance at life, but old habits are keeping her from fully living it. She is continually waiting for the world to fall out from under her feet again, and more tragedy find it's way to her doorstep. But instead she finds a man that promises to give her the second chance she deserves, and maybe something more too. But trusting his word is easier said than done...

All the Ugly Things is a wonderfully penned second chance story that is certain to tug on your heartstrings. It's pages hold the story of a young woman named Lilly that has just been given a second chance to live her life after having the last six years stolen from her. She struggles to adjust outside of the box she has been confined to, and placing trust in anyone is difficult, and no one came blame her for that. But then she meets two men who bring light to her dark world, and you see her begin to hope that she is on a better path. Watching her grow and embrace a new normal throughout this story was heartwarming at times and tough at times too, you couldn't help but feel for her. I am anxious to see how this one ends, there was so much left up in the air at the close of this installment, I hope more happiness lies ahead for Lilly. This was an emotional one that kept me enthralled from beginning to end, I highly recommend you get your hands on it, it's bound to squeeze your heart!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,727 reviews526 followers
May 12, 2021
This book right here is why I fell in love with Stacey Lynn's books. I love the way she pulls you into the story and grabs a hold of your heart. I thought her FIRESIDE SERIES was an emotional read but I think this Duet is going to be right up there with that one...heck it may even pass it with all the emotions I'm feeling.

Lilly is only eighteen years old when she is sent to prison, as if her life wasn't bad enough before that. My heart broke for her, this poor girl didn't stand a chance with the hand she was dealt, but then she meets Mr. Valentine and maybe just maybe things can be better for her.

Lilly is one of those heroines that your heart bleeds for. There are so many things stacked against her and she just keeps picking herself up no matter how many times she's knocked down and she does what she has to do in order to survive.

When Lilly and Hudson meet for the first time you can feel the chemistry but you can also understand the reluctance she has for trusting people. Hudson and his father are what you would like to believe in human nature, they see a problem and they fix it, not everything is about the almighty dollar. They want to help Lilly but she has a VERY hard time trusting anyone, and after that cliffhanger I wonder if that will change.

Yes, this story has a cliffhanger but it's not a huge one, if you are paying attention you will figure it out way before it happens. I am really looking forward to the next book, ALL THE BEAUTIFUL THINGS, to see how things play out. I really hope that Lilly gets the HEA she so truly deserves.

If you enjoy Contemporary Romances with a slow burn and some angst I would definitely recommend this book to you.

Happy Reading!!!

Read an Excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewAtUT

all the ugly things by stacey lynn

Nadine's Obsessed with Books **I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books** I also purchased a copy
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Profile Image for Natasha .
892 reviews10 followers
April 21, 2021
This book tore my heart open, but I didn’t mind. I couldn’t put Hudson and Lilly’s story down. I knew it would be emotional, but had no idea it would make you cry and give you hope at the same time. This is the first in a duet so have all the tissues on standby! I need the next book pronto.
Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
2,152 reviews73 followers
April 12, 2021
Thought provoking and deeply emotional, All the Ugly Things brings to life the story of how choices and decisions alter your life and the trajectory of who might come along your path based upon those decisions.

Lilly finds herself sentenced to ten years in prison for vehicular manslaughter at the age of eighteen. At an age when others are heading off to college, getting married, starting a career, moving into their first home, starting a family, the start of adulthood. Whereas, Lilly is navigating through the penal system and surviving her young adult years with every freedom, choice, and option taken away from her. Everything she used to take for granted has been stripped away and when Lilly is finally released she faces a reality that she has no idea how to be an adult on her own. This part of story hit me hard every time Lilly was lost in navigating the adult world. The years she lost was, of course, devastating, but the exact time frame was even more so.

When Lilly meets the Valentine family there is a lot of mystery surrounding them. Mr. Valentine offers to help Lilly, and given her recent circumstances she's leary of taking any handouts. However, it isn't only Mr. Valentine, but also his son, Hudson, that gets under her skin. Lilly hasn't had anyone on her side in years so taking help doesn't come easy. Why would mere strangers want to help? Why would a man like Hudson have any interest in her? What will happen if she takes their help?

We are only in the first part of the duet and there are still a lot of questions to answer. I've been pulled into this story and I'm curious as to the real reasons why the Valentine's want to help. I also want to see Lilly continue to blossom the longer she's out of jail. The entire storyline has been intriguing and I've loved this book and can't wait for the rest.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,251 reviews123 followers
April 15, 2021
Not your typical story of redemption. A story that shows the ugly side of human nature. Lilly is a child when her father turns on her; forcing her to accept responsibility for something that was not her fault. Lilly is left a lone in the world and forced to grow up in a way none of should have to. Finally free of the bars of prison Lilly has accepted her reality and is just trying to survive. She is defeated and weighed down by All the Ugly Things that have happened to her.
I am anxious to read book two of this duet. If you are looking for a story that hits all the emotions with a new twist on redemption. This is totally your read!
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,875 reviews213 followers
April 20, 2021


Amazon / Apple Books / Amazon Worldwide / Nook / Kobo / Google Play

Lilly's out of prison working as a waitress when she meets a kind man who tries to offer her a job. Knowing that she can't rely on anyone but herself, she blows him off and doesn't think twice about it. Then a gorgeous guy walks into her diner and she starts thinking that perhaps once in her life things might be going well because Hudson is starting to have her believing in good things again. But was their meeting really by chance? Or are there things going on that she's not privy to?

Oh dang but I'm curious now! I want to know what the heck is going on with Lilly and Hudson. I want to know how he's going to dig himself out of the hole he's found himself in. I want to know the whole story that's sort kinda hinted at but not fully revealed. And most of all, I want to know that Lilly and Hudson get the happiness they both deserve, with each other. All the Beautiful Things cannot come quick enough for me!



ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Profile Image for JenMcJ.
2,608 reviews325 followers
May 12, 2021
This book was so boring. Hudson was annoying and Lilly fed her poor me narrative a little too often. Mostly though was the ridiculous NON REASON for keeping their agenda hidden from her. It served no purpose except to make this a duet and give it drama where none would have existed.

I went onto the second book to see how fast she would forgive them for their terrible audacity of helping her.

Writing is good, I felt for the characters, heartstrings were pulled and manipulated but it was a slog for a lot of the time.
Profile Image for Fiona.
615 reviews18 followers
April 18, 2021
This book drew me in; I was devastated for eighteen year old Lily. The people who were supposed to love and protect her the most actually used her for their benefit and deserted her in her time of need. Six years later, free to move on with her life, she is ill-equipped to cope with day-to-day tasks. Yet, she is strong and determined to move forward. She trusts no-one, has learnt to maintain a hard exterior to keep others away as she struggles with work and school. Enter David Valentine and his son Hudson. They have their own reasons for seeking Lily out, they have good intentions and want to help her like they have helped many others. Gradually, she begins to trust, her life is improving, and her feelings for Hudson grow.
Lynn does an excellent job of interweaving the past and present into the book. The back story for Lily is heartbreaking, I so want her to find her happy ending. Hudson and David are motivated by grief and a promise they mean to keep. I love that they are so open to help. Yet, they have a story they are keeping to themselves that could shake the foundation of trust and friendship they are building with Lily, which may not be able to withstand the fallout, when the truth comes out.
I really need to see how this duet plays out, I want Lily and Hudson to get there HEA, they were making great headway, then….
If you enjoy a book that tugs at your heartstrings and makes you eager for more, then this may be the book for you. Advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Rosanna.
803 reviews15 followers
May 4, 2021
One thing you need to know about Stacey Lynn is that she’s an amazing author. Ever single book I’ve read of hers has been a 5 star read and this one is no different.
Lilly and Hudson heck even David will grab you and pour all the feels into you.
Lilly has had a horrible past. She’s been to jail for a crime she didn’t commit. If that wasn’t bad enough her father is the one that made her plead guilty to save her brother who ended up dying anyways. She really did end up getting the crap end of the stick.
She does her time and meets David. He offers her a future and when she doesn’t take it he sends his son in to convince her.
Things go really well for here after getting a job with them and an appartement too until she stumbles on a picture in Hudson’s appartement.
Hudson and David have a huge secret. Unfortunately we have to wait till the next book comes out to finally know what this huge secret is. Uuuggh!!
Awesomely written. Characters are A1. Just all of it!
Profile Image for Daniela.
528 reviews36 followers
July 26, 2022
Etwas trocken zu lesen, aber Lillys Backstory ist wirklich interessant und ich mochte sie als Person wirklich gerne.
Fand sie als weibliche Hauptfigur sehr sympathisch und stark.
Auch Hudson mochte ich gleich und man merkt schnell, dass da ein Twist kommen wird, der fand ich doch sehr leicht zu erraten war.
Das Buch endet mit Cliffhanger, aber mich hat es nicht genug mitgerissen um mir Band 2 zu holen.

Es fühlte sich doch etwas nach insta love an, weil auch hier die Gefühle plötzlich wieder von 0 auf 100 gehen, aber immerhin vergeht etwas Zeit und sie lernen sich kennen und verbringen Zeit miteinander, bevor sie sich bespringen - immerhin etwas.
Profile Image for Ana Manjić.
626 reviews52 followers
May 18, 2021
"I saw the end of us coming before we began."

1-D8048-C9-EA80-4940-8786-CA392638304-D

This is a slow-burn romance and I have to admit a little too slow for my taste but definitely worth reading.
Book1 ends on a cliffhanger, but book2 with a happy ending.
I don't like to wait for books in series so I read them both in 3 days after they were released.

A young 18-year-old girl ended up in jail for causing the accident in which her brother was killed. Or it just looks like that at first until you get deeper into the story.
Left behind by everyone, everyone who loved her turned her back on her, including her parents - even though she never had their love and attention.
Her life stopped. All her dreams were lost and she has to spend the next 10 years in prison.

But as each of us has our own guardian angel, so at least I believe, hers has brought her into the hands of a new family that is willing to do anything for her. Although it all started with lies and deception (not intentionally) it ended with a happy ending.
With a man who loved her even before he met her and a family that wants to give her all the love in this world.
Isn't that beautiful?!
That's how it should have been from the beginning.

"I fell in love with a woman in a photograph before I ever met her.
I fell in love with a woman through stories of my dying sister. While the end of her life was coming much too soon, I was, for the very first time, looking forward to mine finally starting.”
315 reviews
April 10, 2021
All the Ugly Things: Love & Lies Duet-Book one by Stacey Lynn tells the story of Lilly and Hudson.

Lilly has been sentenced for a crime she did not commit and once released she meets David who is impressed with her and wants to help. She is hesitant to accept assistance from anyone, as she hasn’t had many people she can trust in her life. When she continues to refuse a job from David, he sends his son Hudson. They both become relentless and she agrees to join their company.

As Lilly begins to trust she begins a relationship with Hudson, however David and Hudson have secrets, which could ruin everything. Both Lilly and Hudson also have demons, as they have both lost someone close to them.

This book does end in a cliffhanger and we will have to wait just a few weeks to get our hands on book 2, where we will learn the secrets and if Lilly and Hudson will have their HEA.

Stacey Lynn has you engrossed in this story from page one and this was a 5 star read for me. I only wish I had book 2 today, so I can see how their story concludes.
2,391 reviews59 followers
April 19, 2021
This book completely captivated me from the first page. I have read several Stacey Lynn books before, but those were all much more light-hearted. All The Ugly Things has a bit of a darker tone, and is much more angsty than anything by SL that I've read in the past. An I absolutely devoured it!

Lilly's backstory is heartbreaking. She's so alone, and after a stint in prison for a crime she didn't commit, has no one to turn to and thinks she's unworthy of love and affection. Her life changes thanks to David Valentine and his son, Hudson, but she has no clue why they are showing such a sudden interest in her.

Hudson's guilt about lying to Lilly practically jumps off the page. I could FEEL how horrible he felt about the secret he's been keeping from her, and it affects every interaction they have. Whether Lilly knows it or not. And because he's already heads over heels for her, it guts him every time he can't be truthful with her about why he and his father sought her out.

The reason why David and Hudson are so invested in helping Lilly get back on her feet isn't revealed yet, but there's a pretty good indicator of what the reason is based on the cliffhanger of this book, the first in a duet. I need the conclusion to this story now! Yes, Hudson betrayed her, but I'm pretty sure he had good reasons and I can't wait to see how this unfolds in book 2!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews92 followers
April 20, 2021
Lilly has spent the last six years paying the price for something that wasn’t her fault and all she wants to do is move forward. She is finding it difficult to overcome her past as due to her criminal records she finds herself with no support system and working a job that barely allows her to make ends.

David and his son Hudson have decided to take Lilly under their wing and ensure that she gets the new beginning that she needs. The only thing standing in their way is Lilly as she has learnt in the most painful way possible that the only one she can count on is herself. As the feelings between Hudson and Lilly escalate the secrets of the past are about to exposed with devastating consequences.

You will feel such empathy for Lilly and everything that she has endured as not only is she trying to overcome her past but the turmoil that is starting to unfold in her present as well which leaves us needing the finale of this heart-wrenching duet.
Profile Image for  Linathebookaddict  .
1,565 reviews407 followers
April 20, 2021
OK, I really loved this one. First of all, I deeply connected with Lilly. I admire her and I feel for her. She went through a lot and yet, she is brave and resilient.
I really loved how mysterious Hudson is.
I love how the author created such a mysterious storyline and I hated that cliffy. Great chemistry and wonderful pace.
I cannot wait for more.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Stars
Profile Image for Lora.
1,295 reviews14 followers
April 14, 2021
4 out of 5 stars

Hudson and Lilly don't have the typical relationship. Hudson is holding back and Lilly is inexperienced.

Lilly's life hasn't been easy and she's trying her best to just get by. Though she grew up rich and entitled, after spending years in prison she doesn't believe she deserves anything good. (Besides the fact that her family wasn't exactly loving even if they did have money.)

Hudson grew up rich, but his family has always taken care of those that are less fortunate. His parents were foster parents as well as just giving individuals. Hudson wants to help Lilly, but he's still hiding things from her which could break their bond.

I think the true message of this book is to always care for one another and find the best in people no matter their circumstances. Hudson really worked hard to make Lilly see the best in herself and I just hope in book 2 we see more of that!!

I enjoyed this story, but must say I can't wait for the second part. The three weeks I have to wait will be killer!


*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
Profile Image for Shannon.
517 reviews165 followers
November 18, 2023
I feel like this is one of those stories (for me) that was fine, but nothing great. The premise had a lot of hope but nothing in the grand scheme of things was happening. It felt like a lot of repetition of thoughts and dialogue.

It’s a duet, so ends on a cliffhanger. I got the first book for free, looked online to see about the second book for the outcome of said cliffy, but it was $5 and a lot of reviews said it was unnecessary drama. So this is where I shall end with this one. If anyone decides to read the second, send a girl some spoilers, would ya? :D
Profile Image for Nicki.
269 reviews263 followers
dnf
July 1, 2024
DNF @ 51%
Good writing, but the story is not keeping my attention.
Profile Image for Magic book club.
614 reviews67 followers
May 20, 2021
Slow burn story that stole my heart .

Hudson is ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.